10 Strange Laws in Different Countries
The world is full of rules, but some laws are so unusual they make you do a double-take!
From bans on chewing gum in Singapore to restrictions on high heels at ancient Greek sites, countries have some of the strangest laws that reflect their culture, history, and priorities.
In this blog, we explore 10 of the most bizarre and surprising laws from around the globe that are still enforced today—laws that will make you laugh, scratch your head, or simply shake your head in disbelief.
1-Singapore – Chewing gum is banned
You cannot buy or sell regular chewing gum (only therapeutic gum with a prescription).
Importing it can get you fined or jailed.
The law dates back to the 1990s when vandals stuck gum on MRT train doors.
2-Japan – Being fat can be illegal (for some adults)
Under the “Metabo Law” (2008), companies and local governments must measure the waistlines of adults aged 40–74 every year.
Men cannot exceed 85 cm (33.5 in), women 90 cm (35.4 in). If you fail, your employer and you may face mandatory “health guidance.”
3-France – No ketchup in school cafeterias
Since 2011, ketchup is banned in primary and secondary school canteens (except when served with actual French fries) to protect “French culinary heritage.”
4-Thailand – Stepping on money is a crime
It’s illegal to step on any Thai banknote or coin because they all bear the king’s image.
This is considered lèse-majesté and can lead to prison.
5-Italy (Eboli, Campania) – It’s illegal to die
In 2000 the mayor banned residents from dying because the local cemetery was full.
The law is still technically on the books (though obviously unenforceable).
6-Saudi Arabia – No Valentine’s Day gifts
Every February, shops are banned from selling red roses, heart-shaped items, or anything red/pink to prevent celebration of the “pagan” holiday.
7-Australia (Victoria) – Only licensed electricians can change a light bulb
It’s illegal for non-licensed people to change a light bulb in a home or business. Fines can reach thousands of dollars.
8-North Korea – No sarcasm
Sarcasm or “hostile to the state” (especially about the leaders) is punishable by labor camp.
In 2016, authorities specifically warned against “sarcastic expressions.”
9-Switzerland – You can’t flush the toilet after 10 p.m. in an apartment
It’s considered noise pollution under “house rules and rental laws in many cantons.
You can technically be fined if neighbors complain.
10-United Kingdom – It’s illegal to be drunk in a pub
Under the Licensing Act 1872, it’s still a criminal offense to be drunk “in any highway… or licensed premises.” The law is almost never enforced today but has never been repealed.
10 Strange Laws in Different Countries and their Punishments
1-Singapore – Chewing gum ban
Punishment: Selling or importing chewing gum → Up to 2 years in prison and/or S$100,000 fine (≈ US$75,000). Simply chewing it → S$1,000 fine (first offense).
2-Japan – Metabo Law (excessive waistline)
Punishment: No direct fine or jail for individuals.
If you repeatedly exceed the limit, your employer and local government are fined, and you are forced into mandatory counseling and re-education classes.
Persistent refusal can lead to higher health-insurance premiums.
3-France – Ketchup banned in school cafeterias
Punishment: Schools/cafeterias face administrative fines up to €3,750 and risk losing government funding. Students caught bringing ketchup may get detention or suspension.
4-Thailand – Stepping on money (lèse-majesté against the king)
Punishment: 3–15 years in prison per offense. Even accidentally dropping and stepping on a coin has led to arrests and multi-year sentences.
5-Italy (Eboli) – Illegal to die
Punishment: None (symbolic law). When someone dies anyway dies, the body must be buried in a neighboring town and the family pays extra transport fees.
6-Saudi Arabia – Selling Valentine’s Day items
Punishment: Shops are raided every February.
Owners face immediate store closure, confiscation of goods, fines up to 50,000 SAR (≈ US$13,000), and possible flogging or short jail time.
7-Australia (Victoria) – Only licensed electricians can change light bulbs
Punishment: Up to AU$10,000 fine for the homeowner and AU$50,000+ for an unlicensed person doing the work.
(Enforced when insurance claims are denied after fires.)
8-North Korea – Using sarcasm about the leadership
Punishment: 3+ years in a political prison camp (kwanliso) for the person, and often multi-generational punishment for the entire family.
Public execution is possible in severe cases.
9-Switzerland – Flushing toilet after 10 p.m. in apartments
Punishment: No criminal penalty, but repeated complaints → civil lawsuit from neighbors. Courts have ordered fines of 200–5,000 CHF (≈ US$230–5,800) and even forced evictions in extreme cases.
10-United Kingdom – Being drunk in a pub
Punishment: Theoretically up to £200 fine (Licensing Act 1872). In practice almost never enforced today, but police still occasionally use it to remove extremely intoxicated people; a handful of people are fined each decade.